The Beetle Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Beetle
| Movie | The Beetle |
| Release Year | 1919 |
| Director | Alexander Butler |
| Genre | Horror |
| Runtime | 62 minutes (1h 2m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Beetle (1919) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 8.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Beetle are led by Maudie Dunham . The supporting cast, including Hebden Foster and Fred Morgan , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Beetle stands out as a strong entry in the Horror genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Horror narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Beetle has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Beetle
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1919, The Beetle is a Horror film directed by Alexander Butler, written by Helen Blizzard. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Maudie Dunham as Dora Greyling.
Ending Explained: The Beetle
The Beetle Ending Explained: A beetle is possessed by the soul of an ancient Egyptian princess, who is determined to get her revenge on a member of the British Parliament. Directed by Alexander Butler, this 1919 horror film stars Maudie Dunham (Dora Greyling), alongside Hebden Foster as Paul Lessingham, Fred Morgan as Neces, Frank Reade as Sidney Atherton. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of The Beetle?
A beetle is possessed by the soul of an ancient Egyptian princess, who is determined to get her revenge on a member of the British Parliament.
How Does Maudie Dunham (Dora Greyling)'s Story End?
- Maudie Dunham: Maudie Dunham's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Alexander Butler delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 2m runtime.
- Hebden Foster (Paul Lessingham): Hebden Foster's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Fred Morgan (Neces): Fred Morgan's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Beetle Mean?
The Beetle concludes with Alexander Butler reinforcing the horror themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Maudie Dunham leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.
The Beetle Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Beetle Based on a True Story?
No, The Beetle is a work of fiction. While the horror film directed by Alexander Butler and starring Maudie Dunham may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Beetle?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Horror cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate atmospheric dread and effective scares
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
At just 62 minutes, it's a quick watch.
The Beetle Parents Guide & Age Rating
1919 AdvisoryWondering about The Beetle age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Beetle (1919) is 62 minutes (1h 2m). Directed by Alexander Butler, the film runs for 62 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 8.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Beetle is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1919 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Beetle worth watching?
The Beetle is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Beetle parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Beetle identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Beetle (1919)?
The runtime of The Beetle (1919) is 62 minutes (approximately 1h 2m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.


